TV Times

TV Times

BBC World comes to stay in Sri Lanka
‘BBC World’, one of the most watched programmes in the world, is now available in Sri Lanka in 15000 homes via MMDS and Cable
BBC World, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd., a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. Reaching 264 million homes in over 200 countries and territories worldwide (103 million 24-hour homes), BBC World launched its present format in 1995 and is funded by advertising and subscription.

For further information on how to receive BBC World, download schedules or to find out more about the channel go to www.bbc world.com. Keshini Navaratnam, the presenter of popular Asia Today, the flagship programme on BBC, was in Sri Lanka last week to attend a special trade reception.

Keshini Navaratnam was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka on March 8, 1967. Keshini studied Modern and Medieval Languages (Russian and Czech) at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and was awarded an M.A. in 1988. She trained as a graduate at S.G. Warburg and Co. investment bankers before joining BBC World Service in 1989 as a trainee at News and Current Affairs.

In 1993, she became a Senior Producer, on “The World That Came in from the Cold” the flagship ten-part series on the Cold war involving major statesmen from East and West. For the series Keshini interviewed major players from both sides of the iron curtain including Mikhail Gorbachev and Henry Kissinger. After a brief period presenting on BBC World she became an editor at the BBC World Service Russian Service. She re-joined BBC World in 1998.

Keshini has produced flagship news and current affairs special programmes during the Gulf war, the collapse of the Soviet Union, fall of the Berlin wall and the release of Nelson Mandela. Keshini currently presents the flagship programme Asia Today on BBC World. Her hobbies include flying, cars, travelling and writing.

Keshini Navaratnam, presenter of Asia Today on BBC World interviewed some of key figures from Sri Lanka in the year 2002 including President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando and the Leader of LTTE’s political wing, Thamilselvan. Gerry Ritchie, who is the head of Network Development for BBC World, was also in Sri lanka last week. Network Development is the BBC’s 24-hour international news and information channel.

Karaoke finals at the Lava
Cheering fans and friends had lots of fun at the recently concluded Karaoke finals held at the Hilton Colombo. The LAVA Karaoke Lounge, which has come to be a family place for the regulars, took a different turn when the finals kicked off at the Blue Elephant due to the high participation.

With judges like Ranil Wageswara, Country Manager SriLankan Airlines, Stephen Stone - Programme Director Classic Radio, Mahes Perera the journalist attached to the the Observer, Shyamalee Tudawe, editor of the ‘Hi Magazine’, the judging was tough but well received by all.

Supported by SriLankan Airlines, Classic Radio, Exclusive Lines, Singer, Odel and Cutting Station, the winners walked away with exciting prizes. Arosha Gunawardene with his spectacular performance stole the show and was lucky to walked away with a return airticket to Karachi, a trophy, amongst other super gifts.

Picture shows the winner Arosha Gunawardena receiving his prizes from Wibo Wilmink, General Manager Hilton Colombo and Mr. Ranil Wageswara - Country Manager SriLankan Airlines.

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